Spring style at JCPenney boasts ruffles, smocking, lace-up details and more
Spring has sprung at JCPenney and customers can now find the season’s must-have trends available for women of all shapes and sizes – and at prices that may inspire a complete wardrobe transformation.
We sat down with Geoffrey Henning, vice president of women’s design and fashion, and Sue Koger, vice president of women’s product development and design, to break down how to wear spring’s key trends from ruffles, smocking and lace-up details to gingham prints and chic menswear-inspired patterns:
JCP: What inspired this season’s trends and how are we interpreting them for the JCPenney customer?
GH: “Fashion trends continue to be reflective of periods and eras. Specific to spring, we’re seeing a continuation of the 70’s trend of romance, as well as the 80’s trend of empowerment. We’ve become more romantic in our dressing, adding lace-up details and soft ruffles that echo that 70’s ethereal moment. Inspired by the 80’s moment of female empowerment, we’ve updated the menswear trend by pairing it back with soft feminine tops and mixing it with traditional menswear patterns.“
SK: “The ruffles, smocking and lace-up details found throughout our assortment this season will instantly freshen up your wardrobe and update your look for spring. Additionally, our menswear look is on-trend without looking too formal or buttoned-up. This style also provides a lot of great, casual pieces that are fun and versatile. You can dress it up for work or can wear out with friends.”
JCP: What color palette can we expect for spring?
SK: “Expect to see blush — it’s a color that we will be using across all of our brands for spring. Later this season, we’ll mix more off-white, blue and white pieces into our selection. There’s definitely a strong black and white statement, especially with polka dots. Customers can expect an emphasis on pattern play this season, rather than just color.”
JCP: Patterns are a key trend this season, but can also be tricky to wear – do either of you have recommendations on how to wear and successfully mix prints?
GH: “The key to mixing patterns is making them look fresh. It’s about putting them in approachable styles or color combinations and incorporating them into pieces you already own so it feels new. You can also mix prints within the same garment in the same color story.
Gingham is also a key spring trend at JCPenney this season. When styling gingham, take a quiet, subtle approach. We make sure our styling of gingham at JCPenney doesn’t feel too traditional or too overly trendy. For example, using a gingham print in a stylish, off-the-shoulder top. Gingham also works great paired with a white or blue pant as well as denim – you don’t want an overwhelming head-to-toe look. It’s all about dressing the gingham down.”
JCP: The change from winter to spring apparel can be difficult – what’s the secret for a flawless wardrobe transition without breaking the bank?
GH: “It’s still relatively cool, so if you don’t want to invest in a whole outfit just yet the easiest way to accomplish this is through accessories — whether it’s a scarf, the right shoe, handbag or jewelry piece. For example, a scarf or trendy shoe in a gingham print, such as our Worthington freemont mules, paired with a neutral black pant. Another way to transition your wardrobe into spring is adding items that are spring-like to wear now. It could be something that’s a long sleeve, but in a spring color so the transition is easier. It’s all about color and print choice and how you balance it with your current wardrobe.”
JCP: What do we have to offer for customers looking for the perfect Easter ensemble?
SK: “Easter is still a huge dress-up occasion for our customer and our fit-and-flare dresses are perfect for church or family brunch. We also offer a selection of more casual dresses that are still appropriate for Easter celebrations – cold shoulder or off-the-shoulder styles as well as maxi lengths offer an effortless and trendy look. And if you’re seeking an option besides a dress, you can’t go wrong with a white pant or jean paired with a ruffled or gingham print top.
Latest in Spring fashion and beauty showcased at second-ever “10 Days of NonStop New”
Our upcoming “10 Days of NonStop New” fashion and beauty event offers a great opportunity for customers to shop these looks and trends. From March 16-25, we’ll be offering a different beauty and fashion deal each day, such as a St. John’s Bay $5 tees and $10 salon blowouts. JCPenney Rewards members can shop the event a day earlier for exclusive deals including an $25 diamond 1/10 CT. pendant. More details can be found at jcp.com/new.
